Part 2Weapons etc.

Minimum sentences for firearms offences

I130Minimum sentences for certain firearms offences

1

The 1968 Act is amended as follows.

2

In section 51A (which imposes minimum sentence requirements for certain offences involving the possession of various firearms), in subsection (1)—

a

in paragraph (a)(ii), for “and” substitute “ or ”;

b

after paragraph (a)(ii) insert—

iii

an offence under any of the provisions of this Act listed in subsection (1A) in respect of a firearm or ammunition specified in section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) or (c) or section 5(1A)(a) of this Act, and

3

After that subsection insert—

1A

The provisions are—

a

section 16 (possession of firearm with intent to injure);

b

section 16A (possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence);

c

section 17 (use of firearm to resist arrest);

d

section 18 (carrying firearm with criminal intent);

e

section 19 (carrying a firearm in a public place);

f

section 20(1) (trespassing in a building with firearm).

4

In Schedule 6 (prosecution and punishment of offences) in column 3, in paragraph (a) of the entries relating to sections 19 and 20(1), after “Summary”, in each place, insert “ except if the firearm is a firearm specified in section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae) or (af) or section 5(1A)(a) of this Act. ”

5

This section applies only to offences committed after the commencement of this section.